Henrico County Board proposes utility rate increases to support infrastructure upgrades

Henrico County's Board of Supervisors is taking significant steps to regulate the development of data centers, a move that has sparked discussions about the impact on local infrastructure and community resources. During the April 8 meeting, board members expressed their intent to impose stricter regulations on data center construction, emphasizing the need for oversight in light of previous developments that occurred without local input.

"We want to look at every single case that comes," stated a board member, highlighting the shift towards more stringent scrutiny of data center projects. This decision comes amid concerns that data centers, while not the primary focus of the board, could strain local resources, particularly water supply.

In a related discussion, the board approved a resolution to set the real estate tax rate for 2025 at 83 cents per $100 of assessed value, a decrease from the previous year. This tax adjustment is part of a broader strategy to balance the county's budget while addressing infrastructure needs, including a proposed increase in water and sewer charges. The increase, which amounts to approximately $7.35 for a typical residential customer every two months, aims to support ongoing maintenance and improvements to the aging water system.

The board's discussions also touched on the historical context of water rate increases, with officials noting that consistent, minimal rate adjustments have helped avoid "rate shock" for residents. However, some community members voiced concerns that the proposed increases disproportionately affect lower-income households, while tax cuts benefit wealthier residents.

As the board moves forward with these initiatives, the implications for Henrico County's infrastructure and community dynamics remain a focal point of public interest. The anticipated regulations on data centers and adjustments to tax and utility rates reflect the board's commitment to balancing growth with the needs of its residents.